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Tesla isn't done with price cuts it seems. Bloomberg reports that the automaker has dropped the price of all Model 3 models by $1,100 - bringing the base price to $42,900. The reason cited by Tesla was the end of a customer referral program that ended up costing them more than they realize.
The program gave new owners six months of free supercharging if they were referred by a friend. Those who referred a number of people got rewarded with various prizes such as getting the next-generation Tesla Roadster.
This is the second price cut for Model 3 this year. Last month, Tesla instituted a $2,000 price cut on their lineup to soften the blow of the Federal Tax Credit being cut from $7,000 to $3,750.
Source: Bloomberg

Tesla isn't done with price cuts it seems. Bloomberg reports that the automaker has dropped the price of all Model 3 models by $1,100 - bringing the base price to $42,900. The reason cited by Tesla was the end of a customer referral program that ended up costing them more than they realize.
The program gave new owners six months of free supercharging if they were referred by a friend. Those who referred a number of people got rewarded with various prizes such as getting the next-generation Tesla Roadster.
This is the second price cut for Model 3 this year. Last month, Tesla instituted a $2,000 price cut on their lineup to soften the blow of the Federal Tax Credit being cut from $7,000 to $3,750.
Source: Bloomberg
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Tesla Model 3 Tear Down!
Sandy Munro of Munro & Associates is an engineer who specializes in digging into the details of products. He especially is focused on EVs to make sure they are safe, well built and more. The video's below are very interesting to watch, especially the Teardown one where he clearly says some parts are garbage, some are competitive parts and some are worthy of Government required quality built for long life.
The guy seems to know his stuff and it is worth time if you are interested in the nuts and bolts of how a Tesla 3 is built to watch.
The Teardown of the model 3 video details:
SPECIAL GUEST: Sandy Munro, Munro & Associates, Inc.
NEWS:
03:00 - Tesla Model 3 Teardown Analysis
14:55 - The Good Stuff: Model 3 Automatic Drive Modules
26:46 - Are the pieces good? Door Panels, Exterior, etc.
29:00 - Model 3 Battery: Intricate Magic
42:55 - Doctor Data
44:55 - Mechanics of the Model 3
1:11:10 - PHONE CALL: Automation Issues
1:14:29 - PHONE CALL: Model 3 Build Quality
1:18:30 - Johan de Nysschen out at Cadillac
PANEL: - John McElroy, Autoline.tv - Gary Vasilash, Automotive Design & Production - Craig Cole, AutoGuide.com
Videos are from http://www.autoline.tv/
UPDATE: I missed this the first time I watched it, Sandy Munro was paid to do a Disassemble Benchmark study for another company.

Tesla's production hell seems to be only getting worse than better. Various issues at their Freemont plant has caused the automaker to push back their goal of producing 5,000 Model 3s from late last year to June of this year. This, in turn, has caused some holders of Model 3 reservations to have their order pushed back to 2019.
“As we work hard to meet demand, we wanted to let you know that your estimated delivery timing has been adjusted to a slightly later window,” Tesla said in an email to customers.
According to Bloomberg, the new date depends on when the reservation was placed and what model was chosen. Tesla is trying to get the more expensive long-range battery model out first before starting production of the cheaper standard battery model. This has buyers of the latter model worried as they might not get the full $7,500 tax credit. The credit begins to phase out once an automaker has built 200,000, something Tesla expects to hit sometime this year.
The move has caused some reservation holders to take to various forums and Twitter to complain. Others are deciding to jump ship and buy a Chevrolet Bolt. Reuters reports that Chevrolet dealers in California are seeing a noticeable increase of Tesla shoppers interested in the Bolt.
“We’re getting the Tesla people who wanted their Model 3. We ask them, ‘What other cars are you interested in?’ They’re mostly Tesla. But they want the car now. They don’t want to wait,” said Yev Kaplinskiy of Stewart Chevrolet.
Kaplinskiy said they sold 15 Bolts last weekend.
Chevrolet is taking advantage of the delay by emailing some prospective buyers this week with the message of, “Bolt EV: Now available.”
Source: Bloomberg, Reuters

Tesla's production hell seems to be only getting worse than better. Various issues at their Freemont plant has caused the automaker to push back their goal of producing 5,000 Model 3s from late last year to June of this year. This, in turn, has caused some holders of Model 3 reservations to have their order pushed back to 2019.
“As we work hard to meet demand, we wanted to let you know that your estimated delivery timing has been adjusted to a slightly later window,” Tesla said in an email to customers.
According to Bloomberg, the new date depends on when the reservation was placed and what model was chosen. Tesla is trying to get the more expensive long-range battery model out first before starting production of the cheaper standard battery model. This has buyers of the latter model worried as they might not get the full $7,500 tax credit. The credit begins to phase out once an automaker has built 200,000, something Tesla expects to hit sometime this year.
The move has caused some reservation holders to take to various forums and Twitter to complain. Others are deciding to jump ship and buy a Chevrolet Bolt. Reuters reports that Chevrolet dealers in California are seeing a noticeable increase of Tesla shoppers interested in the Bolt.
“We’re getting the Tesla people who wanted their Model 3. We ask them, ‘What other cars are you interested in?’ They’re mostly Tesla. But they want the car now. They don’t want to wait,” said Yev Kaplinskiy of Stewart Chevrolet.
Kaplinskiy said they sold 15 Bolts last weekend.
Chevrolet is taking advantage of the delay by emailing some prospective buyers this week with the message of, “Bolt EV: Now available.”
Source: Bloomberg, Reuters
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If you happened to be perusing the Monterey, CA Craigslist this morning, you might have come across an interesting ad.
Someone had posted an ad for a Tesla Model 3. The vehicle allegedly has about 2,000 miles on the odometer. Like many of Model 3s currently rolling off the production line, this is the long-range variant with a 310-mile range. Other features include a panoramic glass roof, upgraded sound system, and "Aero" wheels. The price? $150,000.
Our favorite part of the ad is the last line; "THIS IS REAL." Red flag anyone?
The ad has been taken down since various outlets started reporting on it. There is an interesting reason as to why. If you look at the ad, you'll notice a VIN number of 209. As Electrek notes, Tesla employees and company insiders are the only people getting Model 3s at this time. Customer deliveries are expected to begin this month. If you are a Tesla employee, there is language in the Model 3 ordering agreement that states you cannot sell a Model 3 more than the original price that you bought it for.
Electrek was able to confirm this Model 3 is owned by an employee of a Tesla store in Monterey.
Source: Electrek, Monterey Craigslist via Internet Archive
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If you happened to be perusing the Monterey, CA Craigslist this morning, you might have come across an interesting ad.
Someone had posted an ad for a Tesla Model 3. The vehicle allegedly has about 2,000 miles on the odometer. Like many of Model 3s currently rolling off the production line, this is the long-range variant with a 310-mile range. Other features include a panoramic glass roof, upgraded sound system, and "Aero" wheels. The price? $150,000.
Our favorite part of the ad is the last line; "THIS IS REAL." Red flag anyone?
The ad has been taken down since various outlets started reporting on it. There is an interesting reason as to why. If you look at the ad, you'll notice a VIN number of 209. As Electrek notes, Tesla employees and company insiders are the only people getting Model 3s at this time. Customer deliveries are expected to begin this month. If you are a Tesla employee, there is language in the Model 3 ordering agreement that states you cannot sell a Model 3 more than the original price that you bought it for.
Electrek was able to confirm this Model 3 is owned by an employee of a Tesla store in Monterey.
Source: Electrek, Monterey Craigslist via Internet Archive

As Model 3s begin to arrive at Tesla dealerships, we are beginning to get some answers to some of the key questions we have. Chief among those questions deal with how the Model 3's touchscreen works. Thanks to some videos that have made their way onto the internet, we have some answers and major concerns.
We know that the screen would control many functions of the vehicle, but didn't know the extent. Thanks to the video we now know that most functions are controlled through the screen. Want to change the fan speed? You need to use the touchscreen. Open the trunk? Need to use the touchscreen. If it begins raining and you need to turn on the wipers, you need to use the touchscreen. Is it just us or is this becoming a distraction disaster?
We also learned that Model 3s at the moment doesn't come with either FM Radio or Bluetooth streaming. The lack of the former will likely not make most annoyed, but the latter will. If you want to listen to music at the moment, you need to use a third-party streaming service over the car's 4G internet connection. Tesla has said that an OTA update that will bring FM and Bluetooth streaming is planned, and believed to be coming soon.
Source: Autoblog

As Model 3s begin to arrive at Tesla dealerships, we are beginning to get some answers to some of the key questions we have. Chief among those questions deal with how the Model 3's touchscreen works. Thanks to some videos that have made their way onto the internet, we have some answers and major concerns.
We know that the screen would control many functions of the vehicle, but didn't know the extent. Thanks to the video we now know that most functions are controlled through the screen. Want to change the fan speed? You need to use the touchscreen. Open the trunk? Need to use the touchscreen. If it begins raining and you need to turn on the wipers, you need to use the touchscreen. Is it just us or is this becoming a distraction disaster?
We also learned that Model 3s at the moment doesn't come with either FM Radio or Bluetooth streaming. The lack of the former will likely not make most annoyed, but the latter will. If you want to listen to music at the moment, you need to use a third-party streaming service over the car's 4G internet connection. Tesla has said that an OTA update that will bring FM and Bluetooth streaming is planned, and believed to be coming soon.
Source: Autoblog
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When Tesla finally revealed the Model 3 a couple weeks, we learned about a number of items such as max range (220 or 310 if you opt for the larger battery), how fast they hit 60 mph, and what will come standard. What wasn't talked about was how big the battery was and power figures. Thanks to some EPA documents, we have some idea on both.
InsideEVs found some preliminary documents dealing with the long-range Model 3 and figured out that has an 80.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack - the document says it is a 230 Ah battery pack with 350 V nominal voltage. We should note that CEO Elon Musk has said previously that the Model 3 could not take anything larger than a 75-kWh battery. But, InsideEVs says Musk could have been referring to useable, not the max capacity of the pack.
We also have learned that the long-range Model 3 produces 258 horsepower. Sadly, no torque figure was given in the documents.
Source: InsideEVs

When Tesla finally revealed the Model 3 a couple weeks, we learned about a number of items such as max range (220 or 310 if you opt for the larger battery), how fast they hit 60 mph, and what will come standard. What wasn't talked about was how big the battery was and power figures. Thanks to some EPA documents, we have some idea on both.
InsideEVs found some preliminary documents dealing with the long-range Model 3 and figured out that has an 80.5-kilowatt-hour battery pack - the document says it is a 230 Ah battery pack with 350 V nominal voltage. We should note that CEO Elon Musk has said previously that the Model 3 could not take anything larger than a 75-kWh battery. But, InsideEVs says Musk could have been referring to useable, not the max capacity of the pack.
We also have learned that the long-range Model 3 produces 258 horsepower. Sadly, no torque figure was given in the documents.
Source: InsideEVs
View full article

There really hasn't been much information about the Tesla Model 3 since CEO Elon Musk revealed the concept last March. Speculation and spy pictures revealing certain details were all we had. But last night at the automaker's Fremont, California production facility, Tesla finally spilled the beans on the Model 3 along with delivering the first 30 models.
The Model 3 will begin at $35,000 and delivers a total range of 220 miles. Tesla doesn't list any power specs for the electric motor, but does mention it will hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Six exterior colors will be available - aside from black, the other color choices add $1,000 to the bottom line. 18-inch wheels are standard while 19-inch wheels are a $1,500 option. The interior is a bit barren with the dash not featuring any visible vents and a large 15-inch screen that functions as the instrument cluster and control center for the Model 3.
The list of standard equipment is quite spartan, to say the least.
Textile Upholstery
FM/Streaming Audio System
WiFi and LTE Connectivity
Dual USB Ports
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Front/Rear Parking Sensors and Backup Camera
You also will not get a key for your Model 3. Instead, Tesla uses a smartphone app that uses Bluetooth to connect the vehicle to unlock/lock and start the vehicle. There will also be a credit-card sized near-field-communication (NFC) card that will do the same function.
All Model 3s will come with the capability for Autopilot with eight cameras, forward radar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle. Capability is the key word as you'll need to spend $5,000 if you want active cruise control, lane keep assist, lane change assist, and self-parking. At least the system does provide collision avoidance and automatic braking.
There is a fair amount of options available for the Tesla Model 3.
Long Range Battery for $9,000: Brings forth a larger battery (Tesla didn't reveal the size) that increases the range to 310 miles. Acceleration drops to 5.1 seconds for the run to 60 mph.
Premium Package for $5,000: Adds leather upholstery, open pore wood trim, 12-way power seats with memory, power-adjustable steering wheel, premium audio system, center console, auto-dimming and power-folding side view mirrors, and rear USB ports.
Full Self-Driving Capability for $3,000: Requires the Enhanced Autopilot package and will be available at a later date.
Of course, the elephants in the room about the Model 3 is whether or not Tesla can meet their ambitious production goals and if they can avoid the numerous issues that have plagued both the Model S and X. Like everyone, we'll be watching with baited breath.
Source: Tesla, InsideEVs

There really hasn't been much information about the Tesla Model 3 since CEO Elon Musk revealed the concept last March. Speculation and spy pictures revealing certain details were all we had. But last night at the automaker's Fremont, California production facility, Tesla finally spilled the beans on the Model 3 along with delivering the first 30 models.
The Model 3 will begin at $35,000 and delivers a total range of 220 miles. Tesla doesn't list any power specs for the electric motor, but does mention it will hit 60 mph in 5.6 seconds and a top speed of 130 mph. Six exterior colors will be available - aside from black, the other color choices add $1,000 to the bottom line. 18-inch wheels are standard while 19-inch wheels are a $1,500 option. The interior is a bit barren with the dash not featuring any visible vents and a large 15-inch screen that functions as the instrument cluster and control center for the Model 3.
The list of standard equipment is quite spartan, to say the least.
Textile Upholstery
FM/Streaming Audio System
WiFi and LTE Connectivity
Dual USB Ports
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Front/Rear Parking Sensors and Backup Camera
You also will not get a key for your Model 3. Instead, Tesla uses a smartphone app that uses Bluetooth to connect the vehicle to unlock/lock and start the vehicle. There will also be a credit-card sized near-field-communication (NFC) card that will do the same function.
All Model 3s will come with the capability for Autopilot with eight cameras, forward radar, and 12 ultrasonic sensors around the vehicle. Capability is the key word as you'll need to spend $5,000 if you want active cruise control, lane keep assist, lane change assist, and self-parking. At least the system does provide collision avoidance and automatic braking.
There is a fair amount of options available for the Tesla Model 3.
Long Range Battery for $9,000: Brings forth a larger battery (Tesla didn't reveal the size) that increases the range to 310 miles. Acceleration drops to 5.1 seconds for the run to 60 mph.
Premium Package for $5,000: Adds leather upholstery, open pore wood trim, 12-way power seats with memory, power-adjustable steering wheel, premium audio system, center console, auto-dimming and power-folding side view mirrors, and rear USB ports.
Full Self-Driving Capability for $3,000: Requires the Enhanced Autopilot package and will be available at a later date.
Of course, the elephants in the room about the Model 3 is whether or not Tesla can meet their ambitious production goals and if they can avoid the numerous issues that have plagued both the Model S and X. Like everyone, we'll be watching with baited breath.
Source: Tesla, InsideEVs
View full article

Hundred of thousands of people plopped down $1,000 to reserve a Tesla Model 3 last year. At the time, buyers were told not to expect their Model 3 until the end of 2018. Since then, buyers haven't been told a thing. When will their vehicle arrive? What options will be available? What will be the final price? None of these questions have been answers and some now are looking for answers.
Bloomberg spoke with some people that dropped $1,000 deposit to get on the Model 3 reservation list. All of the people in the story want more information and hope they get some answers this Friday as Tesla will be holding an event to hand over the Model 3s to the first 30 customers.
One key bit of information many buyers would like to know is where they fall on the reservation list. The U.S. begins to phase out $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles once an automaker has sold 200,000 vehicles. Tesla is hoping to produce 20,000 Model 3s by the end of the year. If this holds, Bloomberg projects that Tesla will cross this threshold sometime next year, leaving some buyers with a more expensive proposition.
Source: Bloomberg
Pic Credit: Elon Musk via Twitter
View full article

Hundred of thousands of people plopped down $1,000 to reserve a Tesla Model 3 last year. At the time, buyers were told not to expect their Model 3 until the end of 2018. Since then, buyers haven't been told a thing. When will their vehicle arrive? What options will be available? What will be the final price? None of these questions have been answers and some now are looking for answers.
Bloomberg spoke with some people that dropped $1,000 deposit to get on the Model 3 reservation list. All of the people in the story want more information and hope they get some answers this Friday as Tesla will be holding an event to hand over the Model 3s to the first 30 customers.
One key bit of information many buyers would like to know is where they fall on the reservation list. The U.S. begins to phase out $7,500 federal tax credit for electric vehicles once an automaker has sold 200,000 vehicles. Tesla is hoping to produce 20,000 Model 3s by the end of the year. If this holds, Bloomberg projects that Tesla will cross this threshold sometime next year, leaving some buyers with a more expensive proposition.
Source: Bloomberg
Pic Credit: Elon Musk via Twitter

It is no secret that German automakers are busy developing vehicles to challenge the Tesla Model S and X. But there has been barely a peep about something to take on the Model 3. But that is changing according to a report from Germany’s Handelsblatt.
Sources at BMW tell the publication that the company will be showing off a 3-Series electric at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. The model is said to have a range of 248 miles (400 km) and will directly compete against the upcoming Model 3. BMW declined to comment on this report.
The report doesn't say if this new electric will be based on the current or next 3-Series. Our hunch is that it will be the next-generation as it will be making its debut sometime next year. The model that could be shown at Frankfurt could be a concept to give us some idea of what BMW has planned.
Nevertheless, we will be keeping a close watch on this story.
Source: Handelsblatt (Subscription Required)

It is no secret that German automakers are busy developing vehicles to challenge the Tesla Model S and X. But there has been barely a peep about something to take on the Model 3. But that is changing according to a report from Germany’s Handelsblatt.
Sources at BMW tell the publication that the company will be showing off a 3-Series electric at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year. The model is said to have a range of 248 miles (400 km) and will directly compete against the upcoming Model 3. BMW declined to comment on this report.
The report doesn't say if this new electric will be based on the current or next 3-Series. Our hunch is that it will be the next-generation as it will be making its debut sometime next year. The model that could be shown at Frankfurt could be a concept to give us some idea of what BMW has planned.
Nevertheless, we will be keeping a close watch on this story.
Source: Handelsblatt (Subscription Required)
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If you are one of the lucky people to order their Tesla Model 3 first, you'll be somewhat disappointed in the number of options available.
At Tesla's annual shareholder meeting, CEO Elon Musk said buyers of the first Model 3s will only have two configuration options; colors and wheels. This is an effort to help ramp production of the Model 3 quickly.
"You just need to decide what color you want and what size wheels, at least for the initial production," said Musk.
Musk went on to say there would be more options for the Model 3, but didn't give a timeframe as to when they would arrive. Also, the Model 3 would only be rear-wheel drive for the time being. An all-wheel drive option will arrive next year.
Source: Reuters

If you are one of the lucky people to order their Tesla Model 3 first, you'll be somewhat disappointed in the number of options available.
At Tesla's annual shareholder meeting, CEO Elon Musk said buyers of the first Model 3s will only have two configuration options; colors and wheels. This is an effort to help ramp production of the Model 3 quickly.
"You just need to decide what color you want and what size wheels, at least for the initial production," said Musk.
Musk went on to say there would be more options for the Model 3, but didn't give a timeframe as to when they would arrive. Also, the Model 3 would only be rear-wheel drive for the time being. An all-wheel drive option will arrive next year.
Source: Reuters
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One of the key benefits of owning a Telsa is having access to the various Supercharger stations around U.S. for free. But if you're one of the 300,000-plus buyers for the Model 3, you'll have to pay to have your vehicle charged at the station.
“Free Supercharging fundamentally has a cost,” said Telsa CEO Elon Musk at the company's annual shareholders meeting yesterday.
"The obvious thing to do is decouple that from the cost of the Model 3. So it will still be very cheap, and far cheaper than gasoline, to drive long-distance with the Model 3, but it will not be free long distance for life unless you purchase that package.”
That package in question would give Model 3 owners the previlage of charging for free at Supercharger stations like owners of the Model S and X. Bloomberg says Musk didn't provide any more details of this package.
A key benefit of the Supercharger station is how fast it can charge up a Tesla vehicle. Within 30 minutes, the station will charge the battery back up to provide a range of 170 miles.
Source: Bloomberg
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One of the key benefits of owning a Telsa is having access to the various Supercharger stations around U.S. for free. But if you're one of the 300,000-plus buyers for the Model 3, you'll have to pay to have your vehicle charged at the station.
“Free Supercharging fundamentally has a cost,” said Telsa CEO Elon Musk at the company's annual shareholders meeting yesterday.
"The obvious thing to do is decouple that from the cost of the Model 3. So it will still be very cheap, and far cheaper than gasoline, to drive long-distance with the Model 3, but it will not be free long distance for life unless you purchase that package.”
That package in question would give Model 3 owners the previlage of charging for free at Supercharger stations like owners of the Model S and X. Bloomberg says Musk didn't provide any more details of this package.
A key benefit of the Supercharger station is how fast it can charge up a Tesla vehicle. Within 30 minutes, the station will charge the battery back up to provide a range of 170 miles.
Source: Bloomberg

Fiat Chrysler Automobile's CEO Sergio Marchionne is someone who speaks his mind - for better or worse. Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Marchionne expressed his skepticism on the recently unveiled Tesla Model 3, specifically on how they can make a profit.
"I'm am not surprised by the high number of reservations but you have then to build and deliver them and also be profitable," Marchionne said.
The Model 3 is Tesla entry into the mass-market EV segment with a $35,000 pricetag. At the moment, reservations for the new model are nearing 400,000. Marchionne doesn't see how Tesla could make money on it.
But Marchionne went on to say if Tesla's Elon Musk "can show me that the car will be profitable at that price, I will copy the formula, add the Italian design flair and get it to the market within 12 months."
Considering this is the same person who railed against EVs for years, it is a bit of a shock. Asked if he thinks the company is arriving late to the EV party, Marchionne said: “better late than sorry.”
Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)

Fiat Chrysler Automobile's CEO Sergio Marchionne is someone who speaks his mind - for better or worse. Speaking with Automotive News Europe, Marchionne expressed his skepticism on the recently unveiled Tesla Model 3, specifically on how they can make a profit.
"I'm am not surprised by the high number of reservations but you have then to build and deliver them and also be profitable," Marchionne said.
The Model 3 is Tesla entry into the mass-market EV segment with a $35,000 pricetag. At the moment, reservations for the new model are nearing 400,000. Marchionne doesn't see how Tesla could make money on it.
But Marchionne went on to say if Tesla's Elon Musk "can show me that the car will be profitable at that price, I will copy the formula, add the Italian design flair and get it to the market within 12 months."
Considering this is the same person who railed against EVs for years, it is a bit of a shock. Asked if he thinks the company is arriving late to the EV party, Marchionne said: “better late than sorry.”
Source: Automotive News Europe (Subscription Required)
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